Critic Reviews

Overall the game seems familiar in several ways the combat system is reminiscent of the Tales' series and the rest of the game shares many plot elements and structures with the original. Yet it feels very fresh and original it isn't a strict dungeon crawl like the first, and there are just tons of extra things to do, even after completing the game. It is perhaps two or three times the size of the original game, with a well balanced combat system that is always challenging but not overly difficult. That is a pretty amazing thing tweak a bit, add a bit, and end up with another GBA role-playing gem.

A month ago, I liked Summon Night as a single innovative game. Now, I like it as a quality series. It manages to do what so many other series neglect: Improve while not loosing identity. In a world of big budget, flashy and serious titles, SK is the kind of game that will be an overlooked gem by many. I implore any fan of RPGs, or anyone interested in trying their first RPG to pick up this game.

After really getting into the first Swordcraft Story, I admit that this game was nothing like what I expected it to be. It's not a direct sequel in terms of story, and it's not a simple dungeon crawler either. Instead, it's a sort of wayward, roundabout RPG that gets the job done well. Personally, I still prefer the first game to this one, but objectively, Swordcraft Story 2 makes serious strides to improve on the first, and I cannot overlook that. As such, I'm awarding the handheld RPG an 86%. We can only hope that Atlus will see some value in this series and bring more games from Flight-Plan to the US.

Summon Night 2 not only manages to improve upon its predecessor, but is a must-have for GBA RPG fans. The game has what it takes to satiate the average RPG fan, with an engaging story, fast-paced battles and entertaining gameplay and weapon systems that provide enough to appeal to a broad audience and the hard-core RPG fan. If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer for the GBA RPG fan in your life, you’d do well to pick up Summon Night 2.

Summon Night: Swordcraft Story 2 is that rare example of taking an already enjoyable game and directly addressing almost every issue with it. The game is prettier, funnier and easier to control than the first game. It's easy enough that anyone can get into it, although it might lack the depth to appeal to hardcore RPG fanatics. All things considered this is one of the best RPGs, and one of the best games, ever released on the Game Boy Advance.

Crafting weaponry was always something I felt I was good at, a task I seemed to excel at. I've whiled away the hours creating some of the finest swords known to man, though they're trapped in a tiny cartridge that can only be used on the Gameboy Advance. I have to say that I enjoyed my journey in the world of Summon Night 2 even more than I had in the previous game, though the changes, while good, don't make the game any better or worse that the original — it simply improves areas that were lacking. The game still clocks at about twenty hours and the final boss in the game is beyond difficult, especially when compared to the rest of the title, so be prepared to yell a lot. Overall, Summon Night 2 is a fantastic game that helps keep the GBA afloat as the next generation of handhelds takes off.

If you liked Swordcraft Story you will enjoy Swordcraft Story 2, but don't expect to pick up where the first left off. Swordcraft Story 2 has the same underpinnings but is a different game. Where Swordcraft Story was a focused drive to a goal, Swordcraft Story 2 revels in the journey. What has not changed is an engaging storyline, enjoyable leveling and realtime combat strategy polished to the point of being able to be enjoyed by players at any level.

Swordcraft Story 2 doesn't take any chances with the formula established in the first game in the series, but that works to its benefit. Like the first game, this one has a simplistic charm that makes is easy to lose yourself in for a good, long while without getting frustrated with bloated, nonsensical plots or convoluted design gimmicks. If you're looking for an epic saga to embark on, this isn't your game. However, if you're looking for a simple role-playing game that doesn't require a lot of effort to enjoy, you should give Swordcraft Story 2 a look.

Though it manages to be a better game than its predecessor, Summon Night 2 isn't a must-have title. On the other hand, with the sparse amount of games coming out for the GBA nowadays, it's safe to say that this is one of the better titles you'll find in stores. The game has what it takes to satiate the average RPG fan, with an engaging (if not by the numbers) story, fast-paced battles and entertaining gameplay devices that provide enough to appeal to a broad audience. If nothing else, it's like a vanilla shake: nothing new, but still satisfying.